On Wednesday, Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local officials to announced $6.75 million in funding for a new transit center and parking garage in the downtown area of the state’s capital, Frankfort.
Presenting a ceremonial check that represented two grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Beshear said the money was provided through state and federal grants. One grant for $5.5. million was part of the FTA CARES grant, provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to help transit agencies up and running, and the other was a $1.25 million grant through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, made possible through the FTA Section 5311 Program.
“To build a better Kentucky, we must invest in our infrastructure. And this includes funding for better – and more accessible – transportation facilities,” Beshear said during a news conference that included Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray and Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “Our Kentucky families depend on safe roads and bridges, public transportation options and a robust infrastructure system to get to school, work and places of worship. Team Kentucky is working hard to ensure our communities have safe and efficient transportation systems in place for our people and for ongoing economic growth.”
The proposed transit facility and parking garage will include 300 parking spaces and, at ground level, a 5,000-square-foot enclosed building for Frankfort Transit administrative offices and transit user space. Parking spaces will be available for Frankfort Transit operations, as well as for the general public, nearby hotels and other commercial development. The plans include electric vehicle charging stations.
“We understand that creating jobs and building a great city takes an all-hands-on-deck approach, and this investment will ensure Frankfort has the support to keep moving forward,” Secretary Gray said.